Only Phrases

Meaning
This means that usually a team fails because of the weakest performer of that team. This proverb is more used because of its literal meaning and does not actually relates to the chain links. It usually applies to technical features or an individual to lay stress on what could be a possible cause of failure.

Origin
It is believed to be originated by Anne Robinson in UK’s popular TV show. This phrase was then used all over the world to convey the message that failure is because of your weakest point. it gained more momentum when in 1812 William Windham used this phrase in one of his Parliament’s speech.

“The strength of a chain, according to an old observation, was the strength of the weakest link.”

Meaning
A Clinched fist. The fives are the fingers and thumb held together

Origin
“With their bunch of fives.” is believed to be first used in Charles Westmacott’s, The English Spy in 1825

Meaning
It is best to accept a minor real reward than the opportunity of a bigger one.

Origin of this phrase
It is believed to be in use from 13th century though in a different form. Ecclesiastes IX – A living dog is better than a dead lion.

Another version of this came in the 16th century when John Heywood recorded “Better one byrde in hande than ten in the wood.”

The latest form of the phrase came into existence somewhere in the 18th century. It was a directory of British folk ballads – The Vocal Magazine: Or, Compleat British Songster, 1781. In this it appears in the lyric of a song entitled ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’.